Novak, R.M., 2007, Climate variability and change in the Chuska Mountain area: impacts, information, and the intersection of western science and traditional knowledge. Unpublished Master’s thesis. University of Arizona.

Local knowledge can play a role in both complementing quantitative climate data and enhancing understanding of associated impacts relating to climate variability and change. This study focuses on the local knowledge of farmers and ranchers in the Chuska Mountains area of the Navajo Nation. Local climate records in the Chuska mountains area of the Navajo Nation are consistent with published regional trends in hydroclimate, including less snow and earlier runoff into streams. Interview participants identified these recent changes. These accounts illustrate meaningful sectoral impacts. Local knowledge provides two important insights into linked human-environmental systems: 1) stakeholders in agriculture and farming in this region recognize trends in hydroclimate moreso than temperature and 2) this local knowledge reveals economic and cultural impacts of climate variability and change that can improve communication with this sector to address present and future needs relating to enhanced climate information, institutional structure, and infrastructure.